It's all about the food in the 'blues'... yes, that exciting culinary niche of Virginia known as Newport News. Get over yourself, Jean-George!

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Trader Joe's Rocks the Sandwiches

I've recently become hooked upon a couple of Trader Joe's products: the Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant & Garlic, and their fabulous Tzatziki.

My first attempt manifested itself as a 'tzatziki sandwich'. Sliced baguette, a generous amount of tzatziki, topped with tomatoes, thinly-sliced red onion, and cucumbers. It was an interesting idea, but ultimately failed in the execution. The bread turned squishy almost instantly from the sauce, and something about the cucumbers in the sandwich didn't quite do it for me.

The second go-round turned out far more tasty, if a bit more hastily photographed: the greek-style panini.The red pepper spread, tzatziki, goat cheese, and basil were compressed between two thinly sliced pieces of bread on a hot panini grill. All the elements were in perfect harmony, and made for a great luncheon interlude. The only thing I'd do differently next time is to use more goat cheese!

Coat 1 slice of bread with red pepper spread; coat the other slice with the tzatziki.Layer a generous helping of goat cheese on bottom slice; strew with basil, and cover with top slice. Spray outsides of bread with olive oil; cook per panini-maker's directions.

One of my best friends moved from California to your neck of the woods a few years back, and she was doing back flips when your Trader Joes opened. She used to come visit me and bring an insulated bag as her carry on--to fill up with TJ goodies to bring back with her. Glad you are having fun with it--the sandwich looks delish.

On the Side

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